Making Music Together

They file into the building together. The major distinguishing feature is the clothes they wear. The people slowly separate into two groups. One group finds seating while the other group takes their places in sections organized by musical instrument. After warming up, the orchestra waits attentively. With a tap of his baton, the conductor begins the concert. As the last note fades, the audience enthusiastically applauds the performance.

Amazing But True

Every sports event, every musical and dramatic performance – all have certain things in common. Some come to the event as participants, others come as spectators. The participants may be the players in the game, the actors or musicians on the stage, the “behind the scene” people who help make things happy. All of these individuals are actively involved in the event.

Spectators are essential components of the event. Very few people would find performance enjoyable if there were no spectators. The participants draw on the energy of the spectators. In musical performances, the presence or absence of an audience can actually change the acoustics of the room. Cheers or boos at athletic events provide instant feedback to the teams and coaches. Laughter or hushed silence enhances the dramatic performance.

Credit: SD Dirk

Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirkhansen/5272091880/

License: CC BY-NC 3.0

Cheerleaders are participants who interact with the audience
[Figure2]

Chemical reactions usually do not occur instantaneously, but over a period of time. A relatively new phenomenon called the “flash mob” mimics the gradual transition from reactants to products. Mingled with a crowd, a few members of the flash mob may begin to sing. As more and more of the organized group joins in, they gather together for their performance. Performers and spectators are gradually separated from one another.

Watch a video of a flash mob performance of the Ode to Joy from the fourth movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the link below: